Solar will play a central role in boosting the share of renewables in America’s energy mix between now and 2040, according to figures from the US Energy Information Administration.
The administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2013 published yesterday forecasts that by 2040 renewables will meet 16% of US energy demand, up from 13% in 2011.
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With generation costs falling, the report says that solar and, to a lesser extent, wind will play a central role in driving the growth of renewables in the US.
It singles out PV as the fastest grower in the renewables sector, accounting for 17% of total electricity generated from renewable energy sources apart from hydropower by 2040.
“Evolving consumer preferences, improved technology, and economic changes are pushing the nation toward more domestic energy production, greater vehicle efficiency, greater use of clean energy and reduced energy imports,” said EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski. “This combination has markedly reduced projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.”
